Neuroradiology is a branch of neuroscience medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating nervous system problems.

Interventional neuroradiology involves inserting tiny, flexible tubes called catheters into blood vessels leading to the brain. This allows the doctor to treat blood vessel disorders that can affect the nervous system, such as stroke.

Open or traditional neurosurgery may be needed in some cases to treat problems in the brain and surrounding structures. This is more invasive surgery that requires the surgeon to make an opening, called a craniotomy, in the skull.

Microsurgery allows the surgeon to work on very small structures in the brain using a microscope and very small, precise instruments.

Stereotactic radiosurgery may be needed for certain types of nervous system disorders. This is a form of radiation therapy that focuses high-powered x-rays on a small area of the body, thereby avoiding damage to surrounding brain tissue.

Treatment of nervous system-related diseases or disorders may also include:

Medications, possibly given by a drug pumps (such as those used for patients with severe muscle spasms)

Deep brain stimulation

Rehabilitation/physical therapy after brain injury or stroke

Spinal surgery

WHO IS INVOLVED

The neurosciences medical team is often made up of health care providers from many different specialties. This may include:

Neurologist: A doctor who has received extra training in the treatment of brain and nervous system disorders

Vascular surgeon: A doctor who has received extra training in the surgical treatment of blood vessel disorders

Neurosurgeon: A doctor who has received extra training in brain and spine surgery

Neuropsychologist: A doctor specially trained in administering and interpreting tests of the cognitive function of the brain

Radiologist: A doctor who received extra training in interpreting medical images and in performing different procedures using imaging technology specifically for treating brain and nervous system disorders

Nurse practitioners (NPs)

Physician assistants (PAs)

Nutritionists or dietitians

Primary care doctors

Physical therapists, who help with mobility, strength, balance, and flexibility

Occupational therapists, who help keep people functioning well in the home and at work

Speech-language therapists, who help with speech, language, and understanding